Abstract: A vehicle chassis sensor assembly comprising a housing member defining a sensor cartridge slot, a rotatable shaft with a magnet and retained in a sleeve, and a rotatable arm coupled to the shaft. A sensor cartridge is mounted in the slot through the interior of a connector socket and an opening between the slot and the connector socket. A plate on the sensor cartridge covers the opening. The sensor cartridge includes a terminal header and a separate board mounted to the terminal header. The board includes the sensor. Deformable posts on the terminal header and the sensor assembly extend through respective apertures in the board and the terminal header for securing the board and the sensor cartridge to the terminal header and the sensor assembly respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis sensor assembly comprising a housing member defining a sensor cartridge slot, a rotatable shaft with a magnet and retained in a sleeve, and a rotatable arm coupled to the shaft. A sensor cartridge is mounted in the slot through the interior of a connector socket and an opening between the slot and the connector socket. A plate on the sensor cartridge covers the opening. The sensor cartridge includes a terminal header and a separate board mounted to the terminal header. The board includes the sensor. Deformable posts on the terminal header and the sensor assembly extend through respective apertures in the board and the terminal header for securing the board and the sensor cartridge to the terminal header and the sensor assembly respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis sensor assembly comprising a housing member defining a sensor cartridge slot, a rotatable shaft with a magnet and retained in a sleeve, and a rotatable arm coupled to the shaft. A sensor cartridge is mounted in the slot through the interior of a connector socket and an opening between the slot and the connector socket. A plate on the sensor cartridge covers the opening. The sensor cartridge includes a terminal header and a separate board mounted to the terminal header. The board includes the sensor. Deformable posts on the terminal header and the sensor assembly extend through respective apertures in the board and the terminal header for securing the board and the sensor cartridge to the terminal header and the sensor assembly respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis sensor assembly comprising a housing member defining a sensor cartridge slot, a rotatable shaft with a magnet and retained in a sleeve, and a rotatable arm coupled to the shaft. A sensor cartridge is mounted in the slot through the interior of a connector socket and an opening between the slot and the connector socket. A plate on the sensor cartridge covers the opening. The sensor cartridge includes a terminal header and a separate board mounted to the terminal header. The board includes the sensor. Deformable posts on the terminal header and the sensor assembly extend through respective apertures in the board and the terminal header for securing the board and the sensor cartridge to the terminal header and the sensor assembly respectively.

Abstract: A position sensor assembly for determining the absolute angular position of a motor vehicle steering wheel includes a housing, an input gear driven by a rotary input, and a pickup gear coupled to the input gear. A cam having a spiroidal profile is generated about the rotational axis of the input gear and is rotatable with the input gear. A cam follower is coupled with the housing and engages the spiroidal profile, wherein rotation of the spiroidal profile as the input gear turns causes the cam follower to move along the spiroidal profile. A first sensor is associated with the pickup gear such that rotation of the pickup gear provides an output signal from the first sensor. A second sensor is associated with the cam follower such that motion of the cam follower produces an output signal from the second sensor. A processor receives output signals from the first and second sensors to produce a signal proportional to the angular position of the input gear.

Abstract: A position sensor assembly for determining the absolute angular position of a motor vehicle steering wheel includes a housing, an input gear driven by a rotary input, and a pickup gear coupled to the input gear. A cam having a spiroidal profile is generated about the rotational axis of the input gear and is rotatable with the input gear. A cam follower is coupled with the housing and engages the spiroidal profile, wherein rotation of the spiroidal profile as the input gear turns causes the cam follower to move along the spiroidal profile. A first sensor is associated with the pickup gear such that rotation of the pickup gear provides an output signal from the first sensor. A second sensor is associated with the cam follower such that motion of the cam follower produces an output signal from the second sensor. A processor receives output signals from the first and second sensors to produce a signal proportional to the angular position of the input gear.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor assembly for measuring tension loads by a seat belt for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises an anchor plate forming a first aperture for mounting. The anchor plate has a central space. A housing is positioned to envelope the anchor plate and forms a seat belt aperture. The housing has a first sensor element. Engaging the seat belt aperture is the seat belt. A compliant element causes the housing to move relative to the anchor plate in response to tension by the seat belt. Within the central space is a strain relief element having positioning features to locate the strain relief element relative to the anchor plate. The strain relief element has a second sensor element interacting with the first sensor element to produce a signal responsive to the relative position between the housing and the anchor plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: Some automobiles have mechanisms for adjusting the height of accelerator and brake pedals, and any clutch pedal, so that drivers large and small can adjust the pedals to the best height. All pedals are adjusted by a single reversible electric motor having a shaft connected directly or by a flexible shaft to the adjusting mechanisms. If any fault develops in any mechanism, the pedals may not be adjusted to the same height, which is hazardous to the driver. A safety switching system detects any serious misalignment of the pedals and de-energizes the motor. The system comprises separate switches which are operable by adjustment of the pedals, and are electrically connected in series with the power supply circuit for the motor. When the pedals are aligned, the bridging contactors of the switches are aligned and are effective to maintain the electrical continuity of the motor circuit. Each contactor has three contact sliders which successively engage staggered tabs on contact strips for the respective pedals.

Abstract: A layered electrical resistor having flat components stacked as follows: a first metal outer plate, a first thin outer electrical insulator, a first thin sheet metal resistor element, a first thin inner insulator, a metal midplate, a second thin inner insulator, a second thin sheet metal resistor element, a second thin outer insulator and a second metal outer plate. The stacked components are compressed together by rivets or otherwise. Each sheet metal resistor element is stamped, punched or otherwise cut with at least first and second terminals and interconnected ribbons forming a resistive path therebetween. A thermal fuse or other circuit breaker is thermally engaged with a seat on the midplate and is connected in a series circuit with the resistor elements to open the circuit to prevent overheating thereof. Structural tie bars are formed integrally with ribbons and terminals of the resistor elements and are severable therefrom before assembly of the components.

Abstract: The flat resistor comprises a stack of flat components including a first metal plate having assembly tabs bent, a first outer electrical insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, a first sheet metal resistance element having slots for receiving the tabs with a clearance fit, a first inner electrical insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, a metal midplate having oversize slots for receiving the tabs with a clearance fit, a second thin inner insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, a second sheet metal resistance element having clearance slots for receiving the tabs, a second thin outer insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, and a second metal outer plate having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, which are bent into engagement with the second plate for compressing the stack. The resistance elements have alignment tabs extending through alignment slots in the corresponding outer insulators and securely bent behind the insulators.